The River Wey Navigation and Godalming Navigation are a picturesque stretch of waterways in Surrey, England, rich in history and natural beauty. The River Wey was navigated as far back as the 17th century, but the navigation was formally opened in the early 18th century, with the Godalming Navigation following in 1764. This canal system played a crucial role in transporting goods, particularly agricultural produce and timber, from the surrounding countryside to London.
The River Wey Navigation spans approximately 20 miles and includes a total of 12 locks, while the Godalming Navigation extends for about 8 miles with 5 additional locks, making it a pleasant route for boaters of all experience levels. The two waterways connect to the Thames at Weybridge, allowing access to a wider network of navigable rivers and canals.
Boaters can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Wey Valley, with its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and charming villages such as Godalming and Guildford. Notable features along the route include the historic wharf at Godalming and the impressive Guildford Town Bridge. The navigation is also home to the National Trust’s Dapdune Wharf, which offers insights into the canal’s history and its significance in the region’s trade. With its blend of heritage and natural beauty, the River Wey and Godalming Navigations provide a delightful cruising experience for boaters.
Canal Specification
| Max Boat Length | 73 ft 6 in (22.4 m) |
| Max Boat Width | 13 ft 10 in (4.2 m) |
| Number of Locks | 12 |
| Length | 15.3 Miles |
YouTube Videos
- Minimal List – REVIEW 01 THE WEY AND GODALMING NAVIGATIONS
- Travelogs – National Trust – River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf
- Widebeam and Wellingtons – 31. Our mini guide to the River Wey cruising by narrowboat
River/Canal Route Planning
If you are looking for a canal/river route planner, we recommend Canal Plan, we use it to plan our routes, and then once we have a plan our maps are useful to find what else there is on the way